Light Refraction Science Activity: Make an Object Disappear
The properties of light are taught at many grade levels. One property is refraction or the bending of light. Kids find this property exciting because it can trick your eyes. Magic and science together as one!
To get started you only need a few simple supplies.
Glass Jar, Water, Coins, Foil, and other flat objects to test.
Directions
1. Place the glass jar on a table. We like beakers, drinking glasses, and mason jars best.
2. Choose a flat object. Coins work perfectly.3. Place the glass jar on top of the object. If the glass wobbles too much choose a different glass or object.4. Observe the object from the top of the glass. Can you see it?5. Look straight at the glass from the side. Can you see it?6. Now slowly fill the glass with water.7. Observe the object from the top of the glass. Can you see it?8. Observe the object by looking straight at the side of the glass. Can you see it?
We see images because there are photons of light
entering our eyes. When the object is visible it means the light from the object
is traveling into our eyes. When the object vanishes, it is because the pathway
of light changes and is no longer traveling to our eyes. Light travels faster
through the air than water. When light changes speed it can also change
direction or bend. The bending of light is called refraction. Light
travels through the air to the glass and then through the water to the object. The
speed of the light decreases in the water. The light bends or changes direction
as it both enters and leaves the glass of water. The coin appears to disappear
because the light reflecting from the object is refracting or bending. The
light is no longer entering our eyes. If you move around, you may be able to
find the correct location to see the object. This is usually from directly
above.
Download the FREE Activity
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